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Politics and International Studies BA (UCAS L260)

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Discover more about our Politics and International Studies degree at Warwick

Does democracy bring greater stability to societies? Why do states use violence? If these questions fascinate you, this degree could be the right fit for you. Learn about politics at a national and international level. Gain valuable skills in theoretical analysis, qualitative and quantitative research, and written and verbal communication.


General entry requirements

A level typical offer

AAA

A level contextual offer

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is ABB. See if you’re eligible.

General GCSE requirements

Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.

IB typical offer

36.

IB contextual offer

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is 32. See if you’re eligible.

General GCSE requirements

Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.

BTEC

Will be considered as long as essential entry requirements are met.

Scotland Advanced Highers

AA in two Advanced Highers, and AAB in three additional Highers subjects.

Welsh Baccalaureate

AAB in three subjects at A level plus grade C in the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.

Access to Higher Education Diplomas

We will consider applicants returning to study who are presenting a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma on a case-by-case basis.

Typically, we require 45 Credits at Level 3, including Distinction in 33 Level 3 credits and Merit in 12 Level 3 Credits. We may also require subject specific credits or an A level to be studied alongside the Access to Higher Education Diploma to fulfil essential subject requirements.

General GCSE requirements

Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.


International qualifications


English Language requirements

All applicants have to meet our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window. If you cannot demonstrate that you meet these, you may be invited to take part in our Pre-sessional English course at WarwickLink opens in a new window.

This course requires: Band B

Learn more about our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window.


Frequently asked questions

Warwick may make differential offers to students in a number of circumstances. These include students participating in a Widening Participation programme or who meet the contextual data criteria.

Differential offers will usually be one or two grades below Warwick’s standard offer.

All students who successfully complete the Warwick IFP and apply to Warwick through UCAS will receive a guaranteed conditional offer for a related undergraduate programme (selected courses only).

Find out more about standard offers and conditions for the IFP.

We welcome applications for deferred entry.

We do not typically interview applicants. Offers are made based on your UCAS form which includes predicted and actual grades, your personal statement and school reference.

Course overview

In this degree, there is an emphasis on the international dimensions of politics. While political theory provides the core of the degree, you can tailor your course to focus on your main interests within International Studies.

You will engage with core questions in political theory and how they apply to situations across the globe. You will confront how power is distributed internationally and evaluate the different ways in which societies organise their political systems. You will explore the ideological roots and gendered and racialised effects of world problems and interrogate the ways in which economic imperatives affect foreign policy.

Your studies will investigate how theoretical assumptions underpin political decisions and explore the concrete issues that are faced by individuals, governments and organisations around the world.

In our Politics and International Studies BA, the first year does not count towards your final degree classification. However, all students are required to pass the first year of the degree programme in order to proceed to the Honours degree. The second year of study will contribute 40% and the final year of study will contribute 60% to the final degree result.

Important information

We are planning to make some exciting changes to our Politics and International Studies (BA) degree for 2024 entry. We continually review our curricula to reflect developments in the relevant disciplines to deliver the best educational experience. The core and optional modules will undergo approval through the University's rigorous academic processes. As modules are approved, we will update the course information on this webpage. It is therefore very important that you check this webpage for the latest information before you apply and prior to accepting an offer. Sign up to receive updates.


Study abroad

Intercalated (adds a year to your degree)

This option adds one year to your degree. You can either apply to study at one of our partner universities or set up an approved work placement.

Partner countries

Countries and partner universities where students have studied abroad (please note countries and institutions are subject to change):

Canada

  • University of Waterloo
  • University of British Columbia
  • Queen’s University
  • McMaster University

Europe

  • Countries: France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Sweden
  • Cities include: Paris, Madrid, Vienna, Berlin, Milan, Barcelona

Japan

  • Waseda University
  • Hokkaido University
  • Kyoto University
  • Nagoya University

Australia

  • Monash University

China

  • Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Hong Kong

  • University of Hong Kong
  • Chinese University of Hong Kong
  • City University Hong Kong
  • Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Singapore

  • National University of Singapore

South Korea

  • Seoul National University

You may also apply for a work placement in the UK or abroad (approval from department needed).

Core modules

This degree takes place over three years. In each year you study core modules that provide a strong foundation in the academic discipline of Politics and International Studies.

You then have the choice to tailor your degree with optional modules. Optional modules are divided into four specialisms or pathways:

  • Political Theory and Public Policy
  • International Relations and Security
  • Comparative Politics and Democratisation
  • International Political Economy

Pick modules from one pathway to specialise your degree or mix and match across different pathways to suit your interests.

Important information

We are planning to make some exciting changes to our Politics and International Studies (BA) degree for 2024 entry. We continually review our curricula to reflect developments in the relevant disciplines to deliver the best educational experience. The core and optional modules will undergo approval through the University's rigorous academic processes. As modules are approved, we will update the course information on this webpage. It is therefore very important that you check this webpage for the latest information before you apply and prior to accepting an offer. Sign up to receive updates.


Year One

Introduction to Politics

Introduction to Politics gives you a broad overview of the main issues and theoretical perspectives within Politics. You'll learn first to understand and then apply the core concepts of comparative political science and theory to processes, institutions, ideologies and practical policy-making. You'll conduct a comparative study of different political systems and political change, both in writing and in open debate.

Read more about the Introduction to Politics moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

World Politics

In this module, you'll be introduced to world politics and the role that international relations plays in the interactions between nations. You'll gain a solid understanding of the historical underpinnings of the structure and systems of states, and become familiar with major theories of international relations post-1945. You'll analyse contemporary writings on world politics and engage critically, both orally and in writing, with key concepts and theoretical debates on the nature of international political systems.

Read more about the World Politics moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

Political Research in the 21st Century

On this course, we aim to make you a better communicator and critical thinker. Armed with cutting-edge research methods and the academic skills to make a successful transition to university-level study. This module focuses on how best we can support you to become independent learners, giving you the firm foundations from which to achieve the best possible degree, in addition to valuable transferable skills post graduation.

Read more about the Political Research in the 21st Century moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

Year Two

Political Theory from Hobbes: Seeking Freedom and Equality

The Politics and International Studies department is making some exciting changes to their curricula for 2024 entry. Modules will undergo approval through the University's rigorous academic processes. As modules are approved, we will update the information on this webpage.

For an example of current political theory content, read more about the Political Theory from Hobbes: Seeking Freedom and EqualityLink opens in a new window module, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

Optional core modules (also available as Optional modules)

  • Politics of International Development
  • Theories of International Relations
  • States and Markets: An Introduction to International Political Economy
  • International Security

Year Three

Issues in Political Theory

Should parents send their children to private schools? Is freedom of movement a moral right? Is it unjust to rear animals for food? Who should bear the costs of climate change? You'll explore fundamental questions of political morality by critically analysing complex arguments from contemporary political philosophy. You'll study closely John Rawls’s theory of justice, and consider the rival theories of Robert Nozick, G. A. Cohen and Ronald Dworkin. You'll have practical opportunities to develop and defend your own ethical standpoint through your considered judgements on current dilemmas, taking into account opposing arguments and perspectives.

Read more about our Issues in Political Theory moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).


Optional modules

Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:

Year One

  • Contemporary Themes in Comparative Politics
  • Foundations of Political Economy
  • Justice, Democracy, and Citizenship
  • Nine Ideas in International Security
  • Introduction to Quantitative Political Analysis I
  • Introduction to Quantitative Political Analysis II

Year Two

  • Politics in the UK
  • Politics of the USA
  • Politics of Contemporary China
  • Europe: Politics and Ideas
  • Core Issues in Comparative Politics
  • Themes in European Integration
  • Capitalism and its Alternatives
  • Gender Matters in International Relations
  • Political Economy and the Liberal-Democratic State
  • Introduction to Comparative Public Policy
  • Public Policy for 21st Century Challenges
  • The Political Economy of Southeast Asia
  • Introduction to Casual Inference in Quantitative Political Analysis

Year Three

  • Gender and Development
  • European Union Policy-Making
  • Politics of Globalisation
  • United States Foreign Policy
  • Critical Security Studies
  • Vigilant State: The Politics of Intelligence
  • State, Power, Freedom: European Political Theory
  • The Political Economy of Money
  • International Relations of the Americas
  • Latin America: Democratisation and Development
  • War in the 21st Century
  • Politics and Culture in the Middle East
  • Violence, Rights, Justice and Peace in the Middle East
  • The Global Energy Challenge
  • The Politics of Climate Change
  • Public Opinion
  • Determinants of Democracy
  • Dissertation
  • The Politics of Religion
  • Gender, War and Militarism
  • Race and International Politics
  • The Political Economy of Islam in Southeast Asia

Find out more about our modules.Link opens in a new window

Assessment

Modules are assessed in a variety of ways including through exams and essays.

  • Summative assessments include exams and coursework that go towards your final grade.
  • Formative assessments do not contribute marks to your final grade. However, they help you understand key learning points and assessment styles.

Teaching

Most modules are taught using a combination of weekly lectures and seminars. Lectures give an introduction to a topic to help prepare you for discussions in seminars. In seminars, you can engage in debates and share your views.

Learn from experts with international research profiles across many subfields including:

  • Political theory
  • International relations
  • International security
  • International political economy, and international development
  • Comparative politics
  • Political systems

You will have a personal tutor who you can speak to about any questions you may have. There are also regular feedback sessions and opportunities to speak to module directors and seminar tutors.


Class sizes

Lecture sizes vary. Lectures are typically accompanied by seminar teaching which allows you to discuss and consolidate your learning.


Typical contact hours

There are 8-12 hours of classroom contact available per week. This is also supplemented with group work, one-to-one advice, feedback sessions, and the use of web-based materials.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees cover the majority of the costs of your study, including teaching and assessment. Fees are charged at the start of each academic year. If you pay your fees directly to the University, you can choose to pay in instalments.

Undergraduate fees

If you are a home student enrolling in 2024, your annual tuition fees will be £9,250. In the future, these fees might change for new and continuing students.


How are fees set?

The British Government sets tuition fee rates.

Learn more about fees from UCASLink opens in a new window.

Undergraduate fees

If you are an overseas or EU student enrolling in 2024, your annual tuition fees will be as follows:

  • Band 1 – £24,800 per year (classroom-based courses, including Humanities and most Social Science courses)
  • Band 2 – £31,620 per year (laboratory-based courses, plus Maths, Statistics, Theatre and Performance Studies, Economics, and courses provided by Warwick Business School, with exceptions)

Fees for 2025 entry have not been set. We will publish updated information here as soon as it becomes available, so please check back for updates about 2025 fee rates before you apply.


Fee status guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status.Link opens in a new window


Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on this web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module CatalogueLink opens in a new window (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2023/24 year of study). Information about module specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Further information

Find out more about tuition fees from our Student Finance team.


Scholarships and bursaries

Learn about scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.

We offer a number of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries to full-time undergraduate students. These include sporting and musical bursaries, and scholarships offered by commercial organisations.

Find out more about funding opportunities for full-time students.Link opens in a new window

If you are an international student, a limited number of scholarships may be available.

Find out more information on our international scholarship pages.Link opens in a new window


You may be eligible for financial help from your own government, from the British Council or from other funding agencies. You can usually request information on scholarships from the Ministry of Education in your home country, or from the local British Council office.


Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship 2023

We believe there should be no barrier to talent. That's why we are committed to offering a scholarship that makes it easier for gifted, ambitious international learners to pursue their academic interests at one of the UK's most prestigious universities. This new scheme will offer international fee-paying students 250 tuition fee discounts ranging from full fees to awards of £13,000 to £2,000 for the full duration of your Undergraduate degree course.

Find out more about the Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship 2023.Link opens in a new window

We provide extra financial support for qualifying students from lower income families. The Warwick Undergraduate Bursary is an annual award of up to £3,000 per annum. It is intended to help with course-related costs and you do not have to pay it back.

Find out more about your eligibility for the Warwick Undergraduate Bursary.Link opens in a new window

As part of the 'City of Sanctuary' movement, we are committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for those seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. We provide a range of scholarships to enable people seeking sanctuary or asylum to progress to access university education.

Find out more about the Warwick Undergraduate Sanctuary Scholarships for asylum seekers.Link opens in a new window

Further information

Find out more about Warwick undergraduate bursaries and scholarships.

Eligibility for student loans

Your eligibility for student finance will depend on certain criteria, such as your nationality and residency status, your course, and previous study at higher education level.

Check if you're eligible for student finance.

Tuition Fee Loan

You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your tuition fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you can receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won’t have to set up any payments.

Maintenance Loan for living costs

You can apply for a Maintenance Loan towards your living costs such as accommodation, food and bills. This loan is means-tested, so the amount you receive is partially based on your household income and whether you choose to live at home or in student accommodation.

Find out more about government student loans for home students residing in England.Link opens in a new window

If you’re starting a course on or after 1 August 2021, you usually must have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement SchemeLink opens in a new window to get student finance.

Tuition Fee Loan

If you are an EU student and eligible for student finance you may be able to get a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you may receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won't have to set up any payments.

Help with living costs

For the 2023 academic year, you may be eligible for help with your living costs if both of the following apply:

  • You have lived in the UK for more than 3 years before the first day of the first academic year of your course

And

If you are coming to the UK from 1st January 2021, you may need to apply for a visaLink opens in a new window to study here.

Please note: Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Find out more about government student loans for EU studentsLink opens in a new window

Repaying your loans

You will repay your loan or loans gradually once you are working and earning above a certain amount (for students starting their course after 1 August 2023 the repayment threshold is £25,000). Repayments will be taken directly from your salary if you are an employee. If your income falls below the earnings threshold, your repayments will stop until your income goes back up above this figure.

Find out more about repaying your student loan.Link opens in a new window

Your career

We have a dedicated careers consultant who can support you with your career choices. We offer one-to-one appointments and workshops to help you find a career path, internship or work placement.

Graduates from these courses are working in:

  • Government and politics (national, regional and international)
  • Public affairs
  • Education
  • Charity and campaigning
  • Media
  • Public relations
  • Journalism
  • IT
  • Banking and finance
  • Recruitment
  • Hospitality
  • Advertising

Our graduates have gone on to work for employers such as:

  • United Nations
  • BBC Television
  • Houses of Parliament
  • OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)
  • Lloyds Banking Group
  • Human Rights Watch

Helping you find the right career

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. In addition, PAIS students have access to guest lecturers, careers information and placement support. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

  • Your future awaits - the many things you can do after your degree in the PAIS department
  • Careers in Government and Politics
  • Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
  • Careers Q&A sessions
  • Assessment Centres and Interviews: an overview of what to expect for PAIS students

Find out more about careers support at Warwick.

Life at Warwick

Within a close-knit community of staff and students from all over the world, discover a campus alive with possibilities. A place where all the elements of your student experience come together in one place. Our supportive, energising, welcoming space creates the ideal environment for forging new connections, having fun and finding inspiration.

Keep exploring life at Warwick

Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.

Warwick Accommodation

Finding the right accommodation is key to helping you settle in quickly.

We have 12 self-catering undergraduate halls of residence on campus.

Our student property management and lettings agency manages more than 8,000 rooms both on and off campus, and provides advice to all full-time undergraduates.

Explore Warwick Accommodation

Our campus

You won't be short of ways to spend your time on campus - whether it's visiting Warwick Arts Centre, using our incredible new sports facilities, socialising in our bars, nightclub and cafés, or enjoying an open-air event. Or if you need some peace and quiet, you can explore lakes, woodland and green spaces just a few minutes’ walk from central campus.

Explore our campus

Food and drink

We have lots of cafés, restaurants and shops on campus. You can enjoy great quality food and drink, with plenty of choice for all tastes and budgets. There is a convenience store on central campus, as well as two supermarkets and a small shopping centre in the nearby Cannon Park Retail Park. Several of them offer delivery services to help you stay stocked up.

And don't miss our regular food market day on the Piazza with tempting, fresh and delicious street food. Soak up the atmosphere and try something new, with mouth-watering food for all tastes.

Explore food and shops

Explore Students' Union venues

Clubs and societies

We currently have more than 300 student-run societies.

So whether you’re into films, martial arts, astronomy, gaming or musical theatre, you can instantly connect with people with similar interests.

Or you could try something new, or even form your own society.

Explore our societies

Sports and fitness

Staying active at Warwick is no sweat, thanks to our amazing new Sports and Wellness Hub, indoor and outdoor tennis centre, 60 acres of sports pitches, and more than 60 sports clubs.

Whether you want to compete, relax or just have fun, you can achieve your fitness goals.

Explore sports at Warwick

Studying on campus

Our campus is designed to cater for all of your learning needs.

You will benefit from a variety of flexible, well-equipped study spaces and teaching facilities across the University.

  • The Oculus, our outstanding learning hub, houses state-of-the-art lecture theatres and innovative social learning and network areas.
  • The University Library provides access to over one million printed works and tens of thousands of electronic journals
  • Three Learning Grids offering you flexible individual and group study spaces.

Studying at Warwick

Travel and local area

Our campus is in Coventry, a modern city with high street shops, restaurants, nightclubs and bars sitting alongside medieval monuments. The Warwickshire towns of Leamington Spa and Kenilworth are also nearby.

The University is close to major road, rail and air links. London is just an hour by direct train from Coventry, with Birmingham a 20-minute trip. Birmingham International Airport is nearby (a 20-minute drive).

Travelling from campus

Wellbeing support and faith provision

Our continuous support network is here to help you adjust to student life and to ensure you can easily access advice on many different issues. These may include managing your finances and workload, and settling into shared accommodation. We also have specialist disability and mental health support teams.

Our Chaplaincy is home to Chaplains from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths. We provide regular services for all Christian denominations and a Shabbat meal every Friday for our Jewish students. There is also an Islamic prayer hall, halal kitchen and ablution facilities.

Student support

Chaplaincy

How to apply

Learn more about our application process.

Key dates

Key dates for your application to Warwick.

Writing your personal statement

Make an impression and demonstrate your passion for your course.

After you've applied

Find out how we process your application.

3 ways to connect

Talk to us

Join us at a live event. You can ask about courses, applying to Warwick, life at Warwick, visas and immigration, and more.

See event calendar Link opens in a new window


Warwick Experience

Take a virtual, student-led campus tour. Then join an interactive panel session, where you can hear from and chat to our current students and staff.

Book a tour Link opens in a new window


Student blogs

Explore our student blogs on Unibuddy. You can read about campus life from students themselves, and register to post questions directly to students.

Ask a student Link opens in a new window

Explore campus with our virtual tour

Our 360 tour lets you:

  • Watch student videos
  • View 360 photography and drone footage
  • Learn about facilities and landmarks

Explore our campus virtually through our 360 campus tour now

Come to an Open Day

Don’t just take it from us, come and see for yourself what Warwick is all about. Whether it's a virtual visit or in-person, our University Open Days give you the chance to meet staff and students, visit academic departments, tour the campus and get a real feel for life at Warwick.

Open Days at Warwick

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